6 Questions with Melanie Marnich

The Apples Never Fall creator is Sunday's live Q&A guest!

Come to the next Retrospecs show on May 19! It’s a benefit for Green Envelope Grocery Aid, offering grants to entertainment industry workers in need.

We’re doing a Seinfeld by David Iserson (New Girl; The Spy Who Dumped Me) which he wrote when he was seventeen and which, for some reason, takes place during the Revolutionary War. It is genuinely funny.

We’re also reading a Succession spec by the notorious parody account creator Fake Carol Lombardini which takes place during last year’s WGA/SAG strikes and which features real Carol Lombardini, the studio CEOs, Fran Drescher, and dead-on character dialogue. It’s an impressive script.

Cast announcements coming soon, but GET YOUR TICKETS NOW.

Even as I was talking with Melanie Marnich for our Writers Panel episode in March, I knew I couldn’t wait to talk with her more. Melanie, the creator of Peacock’s Apples Never Fall, started out as a playwright before writing for such shows as Big Love, The Big C, The Affair, and, more recently, The OA and A Murder at the End of the World. These are complicated shows for grown ups, the kind of show that seems to be disappearing from television, as these stories have disappeared from film.

Taking with Melanie, though, made me excited for the continuation of these kinds of shows. We discussed how she approaches shows with lofty questions and themes, and the personal searching she does through her work. Go and listen to her podcast episode, and please join us for the live Zoom Q&A on Sunday, May 5, 2pm PT.

6 Questions with Melanie Marnich

1. What you working on right now?

On two projects set up at two studios. Absolute passion projects for me. And also working on trying to take better care of myself when I'm in the midst of working. 

2. What challenges are you facing specific to your current writing project?

Right now, it's about finding the balance between doing the research necessary for it, while not getting hung up on thinking I need to know everything before I do more writing. That's a real wrestling act for me—particularly because I enjoy the research.

In addition, there are the more existential challenges we're all facing in this business right now as everything seems to be evolving. 

evolution of TV

3. What advice about the business of TV/film writing can you give to someone starting out now?

I truly love this business, and I love writing and writers. That enthusiasm has propelled me through some tough projects and tough times. So if I have any advice to writers just entering this business, it would be to make sure you love what you do. That you really enjoy it and have a passion for it. Because that will be your fuel for years. And it will be the thing that drives you to always be learning, growning, seeking. That kind of energy is contagious—and I think showrunners can feel it. And it will make you stand out.

4. What advice about the craft of writing can you give to someone starting out?

To really put your heart into it, into your characters, into your stories. That will give your work a real pulse, a dimensionality that goes beyond the story that was broken in the room.

Also... look at every round of notes with an open mind. Think if it as a chance to not just make the script better, but as a way to make yourself better as a writer. It can be an irritating process, for sure. But if you say to yourself, “okay, let's see if I can elevate this...” then you are growing as a writer, not just executing notes. 

5. What do you respond to most in a piece of writing?

I love the feeling that I'm in good hands. That a script—no matter what it's about or where it takes me—is a work of incredible imagination by a person who cares deeply about their craft. Then I can buckle up and go on the ride.

I also respond to wit and good character work—to characters with real drive and heart and wants. I do not respond to two-dimensional figures being put through beats of a story. 

Give this guy a third dimension!

6. What are you watching/reading/listening to lately that’s getting you excited or inspired?

I'm loving Shogun. I watched Masters of the Air... which was my gateway to Band of Brothers. I love Only Murders in the Building, Slow Horses, The Bear.

I've been listening to a podcast on writing called First Draft.

And reading-wise, I recently went down a rabbit hole with books about explorers. Also, Bruce Springsteen's and Dave Grohl's memoirs. On deck are Donna Tartt's The Secret History and Kathleen Norris's Dakota. 

All good recs! Join us this Sunday, May 5, 2pm PT for the Q&A with Melanie! Info below. If you’re not already a paid subscriber…